Egypt Travel Advice
Make sure you are up-to-date with the pre-departure essentials before your trip to Egypt.
Passport & Visas
All travelers entering Egypt require a tourist visa. We recommend that you apply for a visa online two weeks prior to your trip via this website. You can also get a visa at the Cairo International Airport based on your nationality for a maximum of 30 days. It costs US$25, and you can pay it in GBP, USD, or EUR.
Citizens of the EU, Australia, New Zealand, UK, USA, and Canada may purchase their visa stamps upon arrival. If you are a citizen of South Africa, you should arrange your visa beforehand.
Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival in Egypt, and you should carry your passport or travel document with you at all times.
Check with your embassy or your official government website for regulations. Bear in mind that the Egypt travel advice is for guidance only, and you are advised to check the details as it is your responsibility to have all the official documents ready before traveling.
You can consult the latest travel advice from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. We recommend all travelers to check their Government National Travel Advisory prior to their departure: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, USA
Travel Insurance
You need to have valid and adequate travel insurance before your tour with Travel Talk begins. It is your responsibility to have your insurance ready, but we are more than happy to provide you with guidance in the process. You can visit our travel insurance page for more details. For now, here is some Turkey travel advice that you need to keep in mind when choosing the right plan.
When to Go
Fall & Winter & Spring
The best time to visit Egypt free of the desert heat is from September to May. During the three seasons, the weather is comfortably warm across the ancient lands of Egypt, with temperatures rarely dropping below 20°C. Especially spring and fall are perfect times for sightseeing in Giza and the temple-studded banks of the Nile. The air is purified from sand winds, giving way to crystal clear skies ideal for a memorable photographic experience. September is the shoulder month that combines balmy weather and few crowds.
Summer
Useful Tips for Egypt
Money Matters
The currency in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). We recommend that you wait until you go to the city center to change your money.
ATMs are available and credit cards are widely accepted, except in some remote locations and local shops.
Tipping is highly favored across Egypt. We recommend tipping ~10% of the total bill.
The Food Scene
Check out our Egypt Food Guide for the tasty local dishes you must try.
We strongly recommend not to drink tap water.
Dinner is served between 20-24.00 in most restaurants. But Egypt’s food scene revolves around its food stalls.
Solo Travel
Are you traveling alone? You can stay in a single room if your tour has the single supplement option.
You can also be roomed with a solo traveler of the same gender.
Feel free to contact your tour leader if you require assistance.
Know Your Vessel Well
You can choose one of our Felucca or Luxury Nile cruises.
Feluccas are traditional sailing boats without engines. They are preferable if you are looking for an authentic experience.
Luxury cruisers have en-suite facilities and a swimming pool on board, perfect for Nile cruises in summer.
Traveling During Ramadan
Ramadan is the Islamic holy month, during which Muslims fast from dawn until sunset. It is widely celebrated in Egypt.
Ramadan dates change every year. Please check the dates before you plan a trip.
You can trust your tour leader to arrange your meals during the holy month.